WELCOME HALL
WELCOME, TEXAS
ABOUT US
The Rancher’s Ride is an annual trail ride that assembles for one exciting weekend in April, amidst the beauty of central Texas. Members and their invited guests leave city-life behind and celebrate their Texas heritage in true Western tradition – on horseback.
Days are spent riding through the scenic Texas countryside while nights are reserved for dining, dancing and sharing good laughs and conversation under the Texas sky. The members of Rancher’s Ride believe strongly in giving back to the community: their clear, focused goal for this annual country retreat is to provide for the special needs of children through some of Texas’ worthiest non-profit organizations.
The first Rancher’s Ride was held in 1987 in Boerne, Texas. It began as a simple weekend trail ride comprised of people who shared a love of horses and the outdoors. The ride was such a wonderful experience, they decided to make it an annual event.
A GREAT TIME FOR A GREAT CAUSE.
In 1990, the Rancher’s Ride membership voted to incorporate and became a 501(c)(3) entity. Members further chose to refine their fund-raising options by limiting their scope of generosity to just one group- Children. Since 2000, Rancher’s Ride has contributed more than $800,000 to numerous non-profit organizations in Texas. Rancher’s Ride is a 501(c)(3) entity proudly donating 100% of the money raised to children’s charities
Bellville & Austin County FFA
Bellville FFA was chartered by the Texas FFA Association in 1936, but classes started in 1930. This FFA program strives to build character, hard work, and motivation toward the future for young men and women.
Hidden Springs Youth Ranch
Hidden Springs Youth Ranch’s goal is to unbridle hope by mentoring children, rescue and repurpose horses, restore hope, and grow faith by giving children the chance to bond with a horse and a mentor.
Austin County Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Austin County provides children and teenagers with a safe place to learn and grow in the vulnerable hours between school and home.
Camp Blessing
Camp Blessing makes an iconic experience-summer camp- available to campers whose challenges prevent their participation elsewhere. Offering a residential Christian summer camp providing love, acceptance and fun to children and young adults with special needs and their siblings.
Joy Ride Center
The mission of the JoyRide Center is to help people with different abilities find more joy in life through equine-assisted activities and therapies, along with functional/life skills education.
Casa for Kids
CASA for Kids of South Central Texas is part of a national volunteer movement asks community volunteers to act as a “voice in court” for abused and neglected children. These Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASAs) provide a safeguard for children’s best interests.
TRAIL TALK
Be sure to save the date and join us for the 2024 Rancher’s Ride Christmas Party! The event is to be hosted in Houston on December 18th from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM CST. A formal invitation will be emailed ahead of the event with additional details. We look forward to seeing you!
The Rancher’s Ride is pleased to announce the new Board of Directors: Taryn Sims, President; Brad Hildebrandt, Vice President; Lindsay Holmes, Secretary; Karen Williams, Treasurer; Barclay Branch, John Smallwood; Mandi Pillow; Scott Strozier; Shane Shepperd.
The Falls Texas will open for members and guests looking for accommodations during the ride, It is located in New Ulm, Texas and has 48 “inn” rooms on the property. For more information go to Home - The Falls Texas or email trodriguez@TheFallsTexas.com
JOIN THE FUN!
A weekend of giving, horseback riding, games, dinner, dancing, and auctions and raffles for charity.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TARYN SIMS | PRESIDENT
KAREN WILLIAMS | TREASURER
MANDI PILLOW
BRAD HILDEBRANDT | VICE PRESEDENT
LINDSAY HOLMES | SECRETARY
BARCLAY BRANCH
JOHN SMALLWOOD
SCOTT STROZIER
SHANE SHEPPERD
MEMBERS & NEW MEMBERS
UPCOMING TREK
Rancher’s Ride membership is by invitation only, so that puts all the responsibility on current members to propose and sponsor potential new members. Active members are encouraged to think about which of their friends or colleagues would truly enjoy the ride. However, as a sponsor, a member must be willing to take responsibility for all actions of their “rookie”. Members may sponsor or co-sponsor only ONE applicant per year and must participate in the ride as a mentor to their “rookie”.
